Vaxilis shrugged. Tom changed the subject and began talking about mining the lumps of manganese which are found on the sea floor-often in beds worth several million dollars per square mile. Tom spoke as if he might be broaching a project. Vaxilis showed interest but suggested they wait until tomorrow to talk business.
After dinner Tom asked to see Vaxilis’ art collection. As they went from room to room, their host pointed out the various paintings, sculptures, and tapestries, which were tastefully displayed.
Tom pretended to be puzzled. “I thought your collection was much larger, Mr.
Vaxilis. I don’t see some of the paintings which I’ve read you own.”
“My collection is so large that much of it is kept stored in an underground vault,” Vaxilis replied. “The items on display are rotated.”
He spoke smoothly, but Tom noticed that he did not offer to show them the vault. This intrigued the young inventor. Later, when he and Bud had retired to their room, Tom said:
“Are you game for some midnight maneuvers?”
Bud grinned. “What’s on the schedule?”
“This is strictly nonscheduled. I’d like to take a peek inside Mr. V’s underground vault.”
THE SECRET CRYPT 127
“Who could resist-you know I’m an art buffi”
When they were sure the household was asleep, they crept quietly downstairs. Tom led the way with a flashlight. The villa was wrapped in silence, but both boys’ pulses were hammering with suspense.
Reaching the kitchen, they descended a back stairway into an arched stone cellar. The beam from Tom’s flashlight disclosed a cobwebby array of casks, a furnace, an air conditioner, and a workshop area stocked with tools, but no sign of any doorway.